Virtual Sand Tray System for Remote Psychotherapy Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional sand trays for psychotherapy require significant space, limit configuration options, and are inconvenient for patients due to physical constraints and the need for in-person access, making it difficult to preserve and reuse patient environments between therapy sessions.
Innovation Solution
A virtual sand tray system that provides a virtual environment where users can manipulate object models, record modifications, and share recordings with specialists, allowing for secure transmission and analysis of patient insights, while reducing space requirements and enabling remote access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a traditional physical sand tray is used, then the specialist can observe the patient's object placement to understand internal states, but a large amount of space is required to store the sand tray and objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the physical sand tray environment using computer-generated imagery and virtual objects. The virtual sand tray system replicates the therapeutic function of the physical tray while occupying minimal digital storage space, eliminating the need for physical shelving and storage areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical physical sand tray system with a software-based virtual environment. Instead of physical objects, sand, and trays requiring physical storage, the system uses digital models rendered on computer screens, substituting mechanical storage requirements with digital data storage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional physical sand tray with many objects is used, then the patient can create diverse configurations, but the number of configurations is limited by physical constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces virtual dimensions that transcend physical constraints. Virtual objects can be scaled, transformed, and positioned in ways impossible in the physical world, allowing for unlimited configuration options without increasing physical device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows dynamic modification of object parameters such as size, shape, color, and position in the virtual environment. These parameters can be changed without physical manipulation constraints, enabling diverse configurations while maintaining a simple virtual tray system.
3Ease of operation
If a traditional physical sand tray is used, then the patient can engage in therapy, but the patient must travel to the location of the sand tray which is inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a computer screen and network system as intermediaries between the patient and the sand tray environment. The virtual sand tray is delivered digitally to the patient's location, eliminating the need for physical travel while maintaining the therapeutic interaction.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If a traditional physical sand tray is used, then the patient can create an environment, but limited space means the sand tray cannot be preserved between sessions and must be rebuilt
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a persistent digital copy of the patient's sand tray environment that can be stored and retrieved indefinitely. The virtual configuration is saved as digital data, allowing the patient to resume their therapeutic environment in subsequent sessions without physical storage constraints.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are disclosed for generating a report for an internal state of a patient. The system includes a computer configured to generate a virtual environment comprising a base layer and provide one or more object models to be placed in the virtual environment. The computer is further configured to provide one or more tools to manipulate the virtual environment and the one or more object models and automatically determine an internal state of a patient based, at least in part, on the selection and manipulation of the one or more object models and the manipulation of the virtual environment.